Qatar’s coastline is studded with beaches flanked by golden sands and gentle blue seas offering exquisite views, a range of land and water activities and off-beat attractions to enjoy and explore. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites for you to try as the temperatures soar.

To those of you who are travelling this summer – we’re so jealous. But it’s heartening to know that many of you, like us, will be home-bound for the next two months. Come to think of it, that’s not such a bad thing. Boasting beautiful beaches, palatial, air-conditioned malls and exotic dining experiences, Qatar has all the trappings of an ideal summer destination.

If you feel beaches in the Gulf region are under explored, read on. In this feature, we will focus on our top picks of private and public ones in Qatar. Before we dive into it, a heads up: most places don’t have an official dress code but we recommend you check before you go. It’s always best to carry modest swimwear and a cover-up. We also suggest you find out if there’s a no petspolicy in case your furry friend plans on joining you.

FAMILY FUN IN THE SUN

Um Bab Coast, often confused with Um Bab Beach, is located about an hour and a half drive from Lusail. If you’re looking for something that’s not too crowded, this is an ideal spot. The sea is usually calm and the water is warmer compared to the east coast, which is why we recommend visiting around sundown. The sunsets here are mesmerising. Best accessed by a fourwheel drive, this beach is rocky and you may need to drive for a bit before finding the perfect spot to settle down. Carry your own supplies as the beach doesn’t have any and there aren’t any shops nearby.

Synonymous with family fun, Katara Beach, located at Katara Cultural Village, is one of Doha’s most beautiful public beaches. Spanning 1.5km, it has exclusive areas for families and bachelors; there are separate entrances for each as well. There’s a nominal entry fee for adults and kids above seven years. You can enjoy a range of water activities such as knee-boarding, water-skiing, parasailing, jet-skiing and speed boat rides but you will need to rent out the equipment; it’s quite affordable. While there are age restrictions on water sports to ensure safety, there’s an extensive play area which children can enjoy after they’ve finished splashing around in the sea. A wide selection of cafés, food carts and fine-dining outlets are also available. While the beach is open for most of the day, swimming after sunset is prohibited. Head to the beach club for a soothing spa treatment or some indoor fun at the infinity pool or café in case it gets too hot.

Frequented by locals and visitors alike, Al Ghariya Beach on the east coast is another family-friendly spot. Located about 90km north of Doha city, it permits a wide variety of outdoor activities – water scooting, paddle boating, volleyball, football…but you will need to bring your own equipment, as well as food. It’s worth mentioning that the water and beach are very clean despite being a public venue. Swim in the glistening turquoise waters and afterwards, chill under one of the umbrella shades. You could even camp here provided you bring your own gear.

BEACHES WITH A DIFFERENCE

Located about 80km away from Doha, Khor Al Udaid is an expanse of pristine sea and golden dunes. It’s best accessed by a four-wheel drive as the dunes reach dizzying heights of up to 40 metres. Declared a natural reserve in 2007, it’s home to a variety of fish including crustaceans, and turtles. You can fish here but you’ll need to bring your own equipment. Different types of birds such as terns, gulls, ospreys, flamingos and migratory waterfowl can also be found. Oryx and gazelles often wander by. The main highlight is the inland sea; in the morning, the sea advances on to the desert and in the evening, it recedes. It’s a great spot to camp overnight and savour the sunrise; the wildlife is most active at this time. Sunsets at Khor Al Udaid are equally captivating.

Planning a girls-only trip? Head to Al Mamlha Beach, an exclusive beach for women, which opened in December last year. Spread across 15,000sq/m, it offers all the basic facilities such as washrooms and umbrella shades. It’s a great spot for a ladies’ barbecue night. The beach is fenced on the western side, providing that much more privacy and there are guards, also female. The beach uses solar lighting after sunset – we like the sustainable touch! It’s open daily, from 9am to 10pm and you can access it for a nominal entry fee for adults and children; boys over six years aren’t allowed.

Al Wakrah Beach, which is located about 30km from central Doha, opened a water walkway for people with special needs and the elderly in April. The 85-metre-long strip connects users to a point nearest to the sea, offering them a chance to experience it. The beach is some distance from the sea, so, you may have to walk a little to get to the shallow waters. The facilities are great and include a playground for children. Adults can enjoy a host of activities too – there’s a volleyball court and soccer pitch. Not the sporty type? Idle away under one of the gazebos or umbrellas, or simply stroll along the beach. As you walk, you will notice the sand’s golden gradient; it gets lighter and softer as you approach the sea. There’s a designated area for barbecues. Or you can save yourself the hassle and head to the promenade behind the beach. It’s lined with restaurants and cafés, serving a variety of cuisines including local, Indian, Italian and American. An interesting factoid: the name Wakrah is derived from the Arabic word wakar, which roughly translates to ‘bird’s nest’.

About an hour’s drive from Doha, Fuwairit Beach, on the northeast coast, is a must-visit at this time of the year. It’s the season when the hawksbill turtles’ eggs hatch. Upcoming turtle encounters will be on July 5, 7 and 12 from 8pm to 9pm. However, you will need to register and be a Culture Pass Member, details for which are available on Qatar Museums’ website. There’s a lot more to look forward to at Fuwairit Beach after the hatching season, which ends in July. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, this is a kitesurfing hotspot. Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort will be opening soon. Expect a dreamy beach destination where you can stay, dine and kitesurf to your heart’s content. Until it opens, however, we recommend carrying your own supplies and you can still have an enjoyable day out.

Azerbaijani Beach is popular among locals, especially families. The water is shallow, making it safe for children to swim. It used to be one of the less crowded beaches, but lately it has gained popularity as a camping destination. Picture this: you, taking a dip in the clear blue waters and then joining your friends for a barbecue dinner. Singing songs all night long and catching a picturesque sunrise…bliss! It’s an hour’s drive from Doha city. A caveat: there are no showers or toilets. There aren’t any convenience stores nearby either. But you can still spend some fun, happy hours here.

A PRIVATE AFFAIR

Qatar offers something for every pocket. If you’re a luxury traveller or simply want a more private experience, then head to one of the many private beaches in the country. Some of our favourites include:

The beach at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha. Set on a pristine stretch of private sand, it’s open daily from 6am to sunset. You will need a beach pass to get in. Water sports include everything from boat rides to adrenaline boosters such as wakeboarding, water-skiing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Sip on summery drinks and savour eclectic seafood and tapas at Lobito De Mar, a casual beach restaurant. You could also go to Public House Doha, a retro American diner and sports bar, which is located in a beach side setting.

Nestled in landscaped gardens with 500 metres of sandy beach, The Bay Club at InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa offers fun and relaxation in the sun. Get a membership to use the facility all summer or, if you’re planning just a day trip, you could get an entrance pass for a day. Water sports include jet skiing, wakeboarding, sailing and more. After working up an appetite, head to the pool bar where you can grab a bite or unwind with a summer mocktail.

Perched on Qatar’s sunny southwest coastline, the picturesque Hilton Salwa Beach Resort is the ideal family location, though a trip with friends will be equally enjoyable. There’s a beautiful sandy beach that stretches across 3.5km adjoining this resort, which boasts the largest water park in Qatar. Have fun on the slides and scream your lungs out on the rides. Spend a day on the beach or by the pool and enjoy an array of dining experiences.

LOUNGE IN LUXURY

The epitome of luxury, the Four Seasons Hotel Doha has a private beach and five pools, which offer respite from the summer heat. Lounge under one of the private beachfront cabanas or lounge by the pool. Splash around for a bit and then sit back with a drink and sink your feet into the sand as you stare into the endless blue of the Arabian Gulf. You can order food from the many dining outlets and eat by the poolside.

The Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village, Doha has a private beach, offering splendid views that you can gaze at while you laze around, sipping on refreshing coolers from Al Seef pool bar. The bar also serves a selection of Arabic and continental bites to tide you over in case you feel a little peckish after a swim. Need a spot of sport? Indulge in water activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking. You could even unwind in their infinity pool. ✤